Former Utah Sen. Robert F. Bennett died Wednesday evening after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
The 82-year-old had been surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
“Tonight, surrounded by his wife and children, former U.S. Senator Robert Foster Bennett passed away peacefully at his home due to complications from pancreatic cancer and a recent stroke,” his family said in a statement released Wednesday. “His final days were filled with kindness and love, and the family greatly appreciates the outpouring of well wishes and support. It touched his heart, and deeply touched ours, to see how much he was loved.”
Bennett, a generally conservative Republican, served three terms in the Senate and was ousted in the 2010 Tea Party election that waved in Sen. Mike Lee.
While in Congress, Bennett served as a senior member on the Senate Banking Committee and adviser to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“In the Senate, he was widely respected as a wise and thoughtful leader committed to finding innovative solutions to the most difficult challenges of the day,” Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said in a statement. “Above all else, he was a passionate fighter for Utahns, whom were always foremost in his mind. Our state benefitted tremendously from his many years of loyal service.”
Bennett went on to teach at the Hinckley Institute and served as a fellow at George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. He also authored “Gaining Control: Your Key to Freedom and Success,” a self-help book dedicated to solving problems in all areas of life.
